Our story
This Is us
The Gatta family owns and manages 20 hectares of land in the heart of the “Piana di Catania” area, close to Catania, Sicily, since 1937. Our 20 hectares of citrus fields are located along the banks of the Simeto river, in the fertile area enriched by the Mt. Etna volcano. This allows us to bring out the unique features of the different microclimates and soils, producing oranges and tangerines that are unique in taste and aroma. The Gatta farm is a family project realized throughout a history of three generations, where old traditions have been transmitted with passion, continuity and an entrepreneurial spirit. Generation after generation, we treasure the stories, the wisdom and the secrets of our family, and we will pass them on to our children.
Production
SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGES (ARANCE ROSSE): TAROCCO SCIARA AND TAROCCO SCIRE’ are cultivated exclusively in the Piana di Catania and are protected under the IGP certification (Protected Geographical Indication) attributed to a heirloom products from a specific geographic area. Our main production is the plump Tarocco orange (and in particular the quality known as Tarocco Sciara and Tarocco Scirè), with a luscious orange pulp streaked with red. During wintertime, the contrast between Etna snows and the warm sun of the island, makes the thermal excursion reach its acme, causing the growth of a red pigmentation in the fruits. Such pigment contains the anthocyanin, a substance with strong antioxidant and antineoplastic qualities that, combined to the high percentage of vitamin C (approximately 40% more vitamin C than other oranges), makes our orange one of a kind, not comparable to any other production. Not surprisingly, this table fruit is considered the “Queen of Oranges”.